West New York came alive with stunning visuals and sounds last week as artists and patrons of the opera joined together on the waterfront as Verismo Opera, also known as the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (NJAVO), presented their fundraising event, “Meet the Artists,” at Giannone’s on River Walk Place.
During the event, guests had the opportunity to meet former Metropolitan Opera star Lucine Amara and the international cast of principal performers from the company’s recent performance of Rigoletto.
Though the thought of opera on this side of the Hudson River may be surprising to some, NJAVO is not new to the area. The association actually got its start in 1989 by sponsoring a vocal competition and an opera workshop right here in Hudson County.
And the first concert, held in 1990, took place at the famed Park PAC Theatre in Union City.
“In order for us to have this art survive we need to get young people involved.” – Giovanni Simone
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The “verismo” (an Italian word meaning “truth” or “reality”) cultural movement started in Europe in the late 18th century, and as part of this movement, Verismo Opera presents productions that are true to the composer’s original idea.
Although NJAVO now runs out of Bergen County, the organization often returns to Hudson County for various events and is one of only a few small opera groups still functioning in Northern New Jersey.
Casual night of opera
Giovanni Simone, a volunteer and one of the founding members of NJAVO, said he was pleased with the experience at the fundraiser last week.
“We were very happy because it was a very casual, very relaxing evening,” said Simone.
Guests enjoyed a hot Cuban buffet, donated by West New York eatery La Caña, and a range of wines from regions throughout Spain while a Latin jazz band played through the night.
While the jazz music played, an ongoing silent video of NJAVO’s most recent production ran simultaneously. And although jazz is an unusual choice for an operatic organization, Simone said the juxtaposition of the two art forms was done to provide a unique and beautiful backdrop for the evening.
“We sponsor a number of events throughout the year,” said Simone. “We try all different types; this we thought would be very accessible to the people.”
And accessibility was definitely a key aspect of the evening – tickets for the benefit event were only $25 a piece.
“With the economy being what it is, we were trying to attract as many people as possible,” said Simone.
A place to begin
NJAVO is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that prides itself on providing a place to start a career in opera performance.
According to NJAVO, several notable singers who now perform internationally started their careers by performing in Verismo Opera’s productions.
As part of their mission to provide performing opportunities for young musicians and artists, NJAVO sponsors an annual vocal competition (and related scholarship program) that draws artists from all over the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The organization also offers school programs and open dress rehearsals to help expose the grandeur of the opera in an environment that is comfortable for young people.
“In order for us to have this art survive, we need to get young people involved,” said Simone. “We want to encourage young artists to pursue a career in opera.”
Years ago, a number of small opera companies (called provincial houses) operated throughout the country and the world and were a place where youth could learn the craft and perform.
But, Simone said, there wasn’t much like that happening in Hudson County.
“We felt our organization would be perfect to provide an opportunity for young artists to perform,” he said.
The association also presents operalogues in libraries and seniors centers through New Jersey and participates, as well, in educational activities with public schools.
Currently recruiting
“We are planning a number of events for next year,” said Simone. “Some in Hudson County and some in Bergen County.”
Most importantly, he said, NJAVO is now recruiting volunteers for both behind the scenes and on stage for its next big performance event.
In April 2011, the association will present Giuseppe Verdi’s epic masterpiece, “Aida.” It’s an event that Verismo Opera has been planning for years and will feature a cast of over 100 people.
“For a production of this caliber, we need to have as many people as possible,” said Simone.
The association is also currently planning their annual recruiting drive for new members with an open house “meet and greet” event scheduled for January 2011.
For information about joining the volunteer chorus or helping backstage on Aida, call Rita Tonitto (201) 224-2809 or Mary Ellen Rohon (201) 886-0561.
For more information about the NJ Association of Verismo Opera, visit www.njavo.org.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.